A permit application must include plans and specifications for the project with the name and address of who prepared the plans. Plans must provide information that clearly shows that the project design complies with the building code and other laws and ordinances that apply to the project. The plan preparer must certify that reasonable care has been given to compliance with applicable laws, ordinances, and building codes.

The requirement for quality and completeness of plans and associated documents is the same whether prepared by a design professional or not.

For more information about projects requiring a design professional, click here.

Construction Services Pre-Review Meetings

Construction Services’ preliminary review meetings are a free service provided to architects, engineers, owners, builders and others in the development community as an opportunity to introduce projects to Construction Services, Zoning and other city staff. These meetings are a chance for questions and clarifications regarding code requirements and presentation of reasoning for alternate methods or modifications and for requests for code interpretations. If you need a meeting that is primarily focused on stormwater management requirements, utilities or streets, contact Engineering at (218) 730-5200. If you need a meeting primarily focused on UDC (zoning) issues or you need to schedule a Planning pre-application meeting, contact Planning at (218) 730-5580.

Designers can meet with plan review staff to review big-picture issues and address areas of specific concern at an early stage. Preliminary review meetings are not a replacement for a detailed review of final plans, but if conducted in advance of completing the construction documents, can reduce time required to address major issues discovered during final plan review.

Preliminary review meetings are available on Wednesdays. To schedule a meeting, complete the form in the link below and email it and items listed on the form to Construction Services: